Breed characteristics and genetic markers determining the survival rate of dairy cattle

The aim of the research was to study breed characteristics and genetic markers that determine the survival rate of dairy cattle. Ways to improve the survival rate of dairy cattle at commercial dairy farms in the Republic of Belarus have been scientifically substantiated, taking into account the breed characteristics of genetic markers. It has been found that at the SE “ZhodinoAgroPlemElita”, with an average annual milk yield of 8,000 kg, the survival rate of Red dairy cattle over five lactations, 4.93 times exceeds the same value of their Holstein counterparts, with an increase in the average lifetime milk yield in terms of basic fat content by 7,267 kg of milk. A number of mutations causing the development of hereditary diseases have been identified in various gender and age groups of Holstein cattle, indicating the need for systematic genetic monitoring to control the spread of lethal abnormalities in the animal population. Systematic genetic monitoring of lethal anomalies will significantly improve the embryonic and early postembryonic survival of Holstein dairy cattle of domestic selection.

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